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Research Associate / Animal Technician

Research Associate / Animal Technician
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Full Time
 
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is seeking a Pre-Clinical Imaging Tech to support the research activities at the Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC). The LFIC is a state-of-the-art 14,000-square foot preclinical facility, fully equipped with housing and procedure rooms, as well as a suite of in vivo imaging scanners. The Research Associate will integrate with a highly skilled team of Research Associates and Scientists, and report directly to the LFIC Scientific Director. This individual will have access to a best-in-class training with mouse handling, husbandry, and procedures, and will actively participate in preclinical research studies. The in vivo studies conducted at the LFIC are focused on cancer research, with an emphasis on in vivo pharmacology, the assessment of novel cancer therapeutics, and multimodality imaging of cancer, and provide key information for the improvement of cancer patient treatment and care.

The Pre-Clinical Imaging Technologist will work closely with the preclinical and clinical imaging scientists to design and execute mouse studies using innovative PET/SPECT/CT, MRI, ultrasound and bioluminescence (BLI) imaging as well as the entire spectrum of conventional (e.g., caliper measurements, clinical scoring) endpoints to evaluate pre-clinical novel cancer therapies. The Technologist will take primary responsibility for one of the imaging modalities listed above but will also learn the other imaging modalities and participate in multimodality imaging research. They will serve as a back-up for other imaging modalities at the Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC), the pre-clinical arm of the Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology (CBIO), as appropriate and required. Must be able to understand and follow standard operating procedures and DFCI institutional guidelines and policies. Individual must understand and follow the local, state, federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to the safe handling of radioactive materials, MRI magnetic fields and the use of laboratory animals. 

Responsibilities
·        Coordinate and perform mouse imaging studies for cancer research and drug discovery using preclinical Siemens Inveon PET/SPECT/CT, Bruker MRI, BLI and ultrasound scanners.
·        Will work in collaboration with Cyclotron physicist staff.
·        Analyze and prepare imaging data for presentation and discussion with investigators.
·        Participate in collaborative projects with CBIO/LFIC imaging technologists, scientists, clinicians, and staff as well as counterparts in DFCI clinical environments to design and perform studies with a translational emphasis.
·        Collaborate with and participate in the execution of other imaging modalities as appropriate and necessary.
·        Ensure compliance local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to the safe handling of radioactive materials and radiation equipment, MRI safety and the use of laboratory animals in addition to DFCI institutional guidelines and policies.
·        Operate and maintain scanners and other equipment with support and guidance of the CBIO Pre-clinical and clinical Imaging Physicists and the DFCI Radiation Safety Officer.
·        Participate actively in relevant professional organizations in nuclear medicine, MRI, ultrasound, pre-clinical research, and laboratory animal science.
·        Perform in vivo and in vitro irradiation studies using Precision X-Rad 225Cx.
·        Induce and maintain anesthesia and administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the scientist (IV, IP, SQ, PO administration).
·        Will assist with the establishment and maintenance of mouse cancer models (e.g. by injection or minor surgery).
·        Maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies, and help with other administrative tasks.
 
Qualifications: 
·        High school diploma required. A BA/BS in Animal Science or related life science preferred.
·        LAT preferred.
·        1-2 years of work experience in small animal studies in academia or industry preferred.
·        Knowledge in animal studies including IP, IV, SQ injections, oral gavage, blood collection, and minor surgical procedures preferred (e.g., renal capsule implants, mammary fat pad implants, prostate implants).
·        Prior preclinical PET/SPECT/CT, MRI, BLI and ultrasound experience preferred.
·        Must be organized and meticulous in record keeping.
·        Ability to communicate and collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary team.
·        Excellent interpersonal skills are required.
·        Individual must be able to safely handle, restrain, perform treatments, and euthanize laboratory mice as directed. An understanding of mouse breeding colony maintenance required for establishing breeding colony pairs, sexing animals, weaning pups, and entering colony data on cage cards and in computer database.
·        Previous experience working with infectious agents (ABSL-2/3 level) would be helpful but     not required. In-house training will be provided prior to working in ABSL-2/3 areas.

 
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world-renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers/staff; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.